How the fest was fun: Randy’s FPSF photo round-up

I could wax poetic about Free Press Summer Festival, about how the sandwiches were awesome and it way too damn hot and how there were probably 5,000 more people than there should have been (which really is not much of an exaggeration), but there’s only one thing that I really have to say about FPSF 2013:

Hello Chief totally killed it.

At the Jupiter stage, right off the main thoroughfare of over-heated, TOMS-clad humanity, Hello Chief played a 4:50 Saturday set that left this Beaumont band with a slew of new fans, many of whom felt compelled to stop for a listen as they headed off to whatever 2 Chainz is. As is characteristic of Hello Chief shows, the band created an indie rock aura that wove each song into the next, leading the audience from one show of control and musicianship into another.

A sizeable crowd gathered by the end of Hello Chief’s set, which featured the greatest encore in the history of encores. Randy Edwards/cat5

I ducked out of Summer Fest after 9 hours, and I’m not ashamed of that fact – the crowds just got too large, the lines far too long and oh, yeah, the ——- heat. But of the day of music I caught, one thing is certain: Hello Chief’s set was one of the best FPSF memories I’ll ever have. It was tight, concise, energetic, unpredictable and slightly nerdy in a most lovable way – everything I adore about this band.

When the band was asked to play an encore, there was a swell of energy their growing crowd. And when Hello Chief seamlessly transitioned into that oh-so-familiar “Bennie and the Jets” riff, I was surrounded by people – Beaumont natives and non – who, almost simultaneously, broke into laughter and a sunburned shuffle.

Oh, and thanks to whoever tried to start the “Beaumont!” chant – an adorable and valiant effort.

For a more thorough taste of the fest, please enjoy Randy’s many, many FPSF 2013 photos. This fest has officially become too big for my britches, but I severely applaud the efforts of those of you who gave it a go.

And for those of you who made it both days, I have but one suggestion for today: Keep the Aloe Vera coming.